THE
TOILET
OF
FLORA.
Illustration: _FRONTISPIECE. The Graces._
THE
TOILET OF FLORA;
OR,
A COLLECTION
OF THE
MOST SIMPLE AND APPROVED
METHODS OF PREPARING
BATHS, PERFUMES,
ESSENCES, AND
POMATUMS, SWEET-SCENTED
POWDERS, WATERS.
WITH
RECEIPTS for COSMETICS of every Kind,
that can smooth and brighten the SKIN, give
Force to BEAUTY, and take off the Appearance
of OLD AGE and DECAY.
By Pierre-Joseph Buc'hoz
_FOR THE USE OF THE LADIES._
A NEW EDITION, IMPROVED.
LONDON,
Printed for J. MURRAY, No. 32, Fleet-street; and
W. NICOLL, St. Paul's Church Yard.
M DCC LXXIX.
ADVERTISEMENT.
The chief Intention of this Performance is to point out, and explain
to the Fair Sex, the Methods by which they may preserve and add to
their Charms; and by which many natural Blemishes and Imperfections
may be remedied or concealed. The same Share of Grace and Attractions
is not possessed by all of them; but while the Improvement of their
Persons is the indispensable Duty of those who have been little
favoured by Nature, it should not be neglected even by the few who have
received the largest Proportion of her Gifts. The same Art which will
communicate to the former the Power of pleasing, will enable the latter
to extend the Empire of their Beauty. It is possible to remove, or, at
least, to cover the Defects of the one Class, and to give Force and
Lustre to the Perfections of the other.
The Author, however, though in general he has framed his Work for the
Advantage of the Ladies, has not entirely confined it to them. The
Virtues of Plants and Vegetables, beside the Service they furnish for
the Toilet, have their Use in Articles of Luxury. He has thence been
induced to address himself also to the Perfumer: and his Publication,
he flatters himself, while it comprizes a very perfect Collection of
the Methods which tend to improve Beauty, to repair the Wastes of
Fatigue, and to avert the Marks of Age or Decline, includes likewise a
full Account of whatever relates to domestic Oeconomy and Expence.
Uncommon Pains have been taken to improve the present Edition, which
contains a System of the Cosmetic Art, infinitely superior to any that
has hitherto appeared; and it has likewise uniformly rendered the
various Prescriptions not only compatible with, but subservient to,
the Preservation, and even the Improvement of Health; an Object of the
greatest Importance in a Work of this Kind.
CONTENTS.
No. Page.
1. An Aromatic Bath 1
2. A Cosmetic Bath 2
3. An Emollient Bath for the Feet ib.
4. An Aromatic Bath for the Feet 3
5. An excellent Preservative Balsam against the
Plague ib.
6. An excellent Cosmetic for the Face 5
7. A curious Perfume ib.
8. Perfumed Chaplets and Medals 6
9. Receipt to thicken the Hair, and make it
grow again on a bald part ib.
10. An approved Depilatory Fluid 7
11. A Powder to prevent Baldness 8
12. To quicken the Growth of Hair ib.
13. A compound Oil for the same Intention ib.
14. A Fluid to make the Hair grow 9
15. A Liniment of the same Kind ib.
16. To change the Colour of the Hair 10
17. Simple Means of producing the same Effect ib.
18. To change the Hair or Beard black 11
19. A Fluid to dye the Hair of a flaxen Colour 12
20. A perfumed Basket 13
21. Natural Cosmetics ib.
22. A remedy for Corns on the Feet 14
23. A Coral Stick for the Teeth 14
24. A Receipt to clean the Teeth, and make the
Flesh grow close to the Root of the Enamel 15
25, 26, 27. Receipts to strengthen the Gums and
fasten loose Teeth 15, 16
28. For rotten Teeth 17
29. A Liquid Remedy for decayed Teeth ib.
30. A Powder to clean the Teeth 18
31. A Remedy for sore Gums and loose Teeth ib.
32. An approved Receipt against that troublesome
Complaint, called the Teeth set on Edge ib.
33. A Liquid for cleansing the Teeth 19
34. A sure Preservative from the Tooth Ache, and
Defluxions on the Gums or Teeth ib.
35, 36, 37, 38, 39. Methods to make the Teeth
beautifully white 20-22
40. A Powder to cleanse the Teeth 22
41. Mr. Rae's Receipt for making a Powder for
the like Purpose 23
42. Another ib.
43. An efficacious Tooth-Powder 24
44. A Powder to cleanse the Teeth ib.
45. A Tincture to strengthen the Gums, and prevent
the Scurvy 25
46. Mr. Baumé's Manner of preparing the Roots
for cleaning the Teeth ib.
47. Manner of preparing Sponges for the Teeth 28
48. Rule for the Preservation of the Teeth and
Gums 29
49. For stopping the Decay of Teeth 31
WATERS.
50. The Celestial Water 32
51, 52. Receipts to make the genuine Hungary-Water 35, 36
53, 54. Directions for making Lavender-Water 37, 38
55, 56. ----Rose-Water 39-41
57, 58. ----Orange-Flower Water 42, 43
59. Magisterial Balm-Water 46
60. Compound Balm-Water, commonly called Eau
de Carmes 49
61. Sweet Honey-Water 50
62. Sweet-scented Water 52
63. German sweet-scented Water 53
64. Imperial Water 56
65, 66. Odoriferous Water 57
67. The Ladies Water 58
68. A beautifying Wash 59
69. A Cosmetic Water ib.
70. An excellent Cosmetic ib.
71. Venice Water highly esteemed 60
72. A Balsamic Water ib.
73. Angelic Water, of a most agreeable scent 61
74. Nosegay or Toilet Water 62
75. Spirit of Guaiacum 63
76. The Divine Cordial ib.
77. Compound Cypress Water 65
78. Imperial Water 66
79. All Flower Water 68
80. A curious Water known by the Name of the
Spring Nosegay 69
81. A Cosmetic Water, that prevents Pits after
the Small-Pox 71
82. A Cooling Wash ib.
83, 84. An excellent Water to clear the Skin, and
take away Pimples 72
85. Venetian Water to clear a Sun-burnt Complexion 73
86. A Water for Pimples in the Face 74
87. A Fluid to clear a tanned Skin ib.
88. A Fluid to whiten the Skin ib.
89. A Beautifying Wash 75
90. A Water that tinges the Cheeks a beautiful
Carnation Hue 76
91. A Cosmetic Water 77
92. A Water, christened, the Fountain of Youth ib.
93. A Water that preserves the Complexion 78
94. A Water that gives a Gloss to the Skin 80
95. A Preservative from Tanning ib.
96, 97, 98. Certain Means of removing
Freckles 81, 82
99, 100. A Water to prevent Freckles, or Blotches
in the Face 82, 83
101, 102. A Water to improve the Complexion 83
103, 104. A Cosmetic Water 84, 85
105. A simple Balsamic Water, which removes
Wrinkles 85
106. A Water to change the Eye-brows black 86
107. To remove Worms in the Face 86
108. The Duchess de la Vrilliere's Mouth-Water 87
109. Another Water for the Teeth, called Spirituous
Vulnerary Water 88
110. Receipt to make Vulnerary Water 89
111, 112, 113, 114. Waters for the Gums 90-92
115. A simple Depilatory 92
116. Prepared Sponges for the Face ib.
117. Spirit of Roses 93
118. Inflammable Spirits of all Kinds of Flowers 97
ESSENCES.
119, 120. Method of extracting Essences from
Flowers 98-101
121. Essence of Ambergrise 102
122. A Remedy for St. Anthony's Fire, or Erysipelatous
Eruptions on the Face 103
FLOWERS.
123. Manner of drying Flowers, so as to preserve
their natural Colours ib.
124, 125. Different Methods of preserving
Flowers 106-108
126. Another Method of preserving Flowers a
long while, in their natural Shape and
Colour. 109
GLOVES.
127. White Gloves scented with Jasmine after
the Italian Manner 110
128. Gloves scented without the Flowers 111
129. White Gloves scented with Ketmia or
Musky Seed 112
130. To colour Gloves a curious French Yellow 113
131, 132. Curious Perfumes in Gloves 114
133, 134. Excellent Receipts to clear a tanned
Complexion 115
BREATH.
135, 136. Receipts to sweeten the Breath 115, 116
OILS.
137, 138. Cosmetic Oils 116
139. Oil of Wheat 117
140. Compound Oil, or Essence of Fennel ib.
141. Oil of Tuberoses and Jasmine 118
142. An Oil scented with Flowers for the Hair 119
ESSENTIAL OILS, or QUINTESSENCES.
143. Essential Oil, commonly called Quintessence
of Lavender 121
144. To make Essence of Cinnamon 122
145. To make Quintessence of Cloves 123
146. A Cosmetic Juice 125
VIRGIN's MILK.
147. A safe and approved Cosmetic ib.
148, 149. Others, very easily made 126, 127
150. A Liniment to destroy Vermin 127
LOTIONS.
151. A Lotion to strengthen the Gums, and
sweeten the Breath 128
152. Another Lotion to fasten the Teeth, and
sweeten the Breath 130
153. An admirable Lotion for the Complexion 131
154. An admirable Varnish for the Skin 132
155. A Liniment to destroy Nits 133
156. A Liniment to change the Beard and Hair
black ib.
157, 158. Depilatory Liniment 134, 135
159, 160. Excellent Lip-Salves 135, 136
NAILS.
161. A Liniment to promote the Growth and
Regeneration of Nails 136
162, 163. Remedies for Whitlows; a Disorder
that frequently affects the Fingers 137, 138
PERFUMES.
164. Scented Tablets or Pastils 138
165. A pleasant Perfume 139
166. Common perfumed Powder 141
167. A Cassolette ib.
168. To perfume a whole House, and purify
the Air ib.
169. A Perfume for scenting Powder ib.
PASTILS.
170, 171. Excellent Compositions to perfume a
Room 143, 144
172. Fragrant Pastils made use of by way of
Fumigation 145
173. Pastils of Roses 146
PASTES.
174. Paste of dried Almonds to cleanse the Skin ib.
175. Soft Almond Paste 147
176. Paste for the Hands 148
177, 178, 179, 180, 181, 182. Pastes for the
Hands 148-152
POMATUMS.
183. Cold Cream, or Pomatum for the Complexion 152
184, 185. Cucumber Pomatums 154, 155
186. Lavender Pomatum 156
187, 188, 189. Lip-Salves 158, 159
190. A Yellow Lip-Salve 160
191, 192, 193, 194, 195. Scarlet Lip-Salves 161, 164
196. White Pomatum 164
197. Red Pomatum 165
198. A Pomatum to remove Redness, or Pimples
in the Face 166
199. A Pomatum for Wrinkles 167
200, 201. For the same Intention 167, 168
202. Pomatum for a red or pimpled Face 168
203. A Pomatum for the Skin 169
204. Pomatum to make the Hair grow on a Bald
Part, and thicken the Hair 170
205. Another Pomatum for the Hair 171
206. Manner of scenting Pomatums for the Hair 172
207. Orange-Flower Pomatum 173
208. Sultana Pomatum 174
209, 210. Sweet smelling Perfumes 174-176
POWDERS.
211. Orange-Flower Powder 177
212. Jonquil Powder 178
213, 214. Coarse Violet Powders 179, 180
215. Jasmine Powder 181
216. Ambrette Powder ib.
217, 218. Cyprus Powders 182, 183
219. Perfumed Powder 183
220. The White Powder that enters into the
Composition of the Delightful Perfume 184
221. Prepared Powder ib.
222. A Powder to nourish the Hair 185
223. Common Powder 186
224. White Powder ib.
225, 226. Grey Powders 187
227. Flaxen-coloured Powder 188
228. Bean Flour ib.
229, 230. To sweeten the Breath 188, 189
231. A Remedy for scorbutic Gums 189
232. A Remedy for moist Feet ib.
FLEAS.
233, 234, 235, 236. Certain Methods of destroying
Fleas 190, 19
WRINKLES.
237. A Secret to take away Wrinkles 191
CARMINES.
238, 239. Rouges for the Face 192, 193
240. The Turkish method of preparing Carmine 193
241. A Liquid Rouge that exactly imitates
Nature 194
242. An Oil that possesses the same Property 195
SWEET SCENTED BAGS.
243. A sweet-scented Bag to wear in the Pocket 196
244. Bags to scent Linen ib.
245. An agreeable sweet-scented Composition 197
246. Manner of making various sorts of these
little Bags or Sachels ib.
WASH-BALLS.
247. White Soap 199
248. Honey Soap ib.
249. A perfumed Soap 200
250. A Fine Scented Wash-ball 201
251. A Wash-ball, an excellent Cosmetic for the
Face and Hands 202
252. Bologna Wash-balls 203
253. Another excellent Wash-ball for the Complexion 204
254. Seraglio Wash-balls 205
255. An Hepatic Salt, to preserve the Complexion 206
EYE-BROWS.
256. To change the Eye-brows black 207
MARKS OF THE SKIN.
257, 258. To efface Spots or Marks of the
Mother, on any Part of the Body 208
259. To take away Marks, and fill up the Cavities
left after the Small-Pox 209
COMPLEXION.
260. Certain Methods to improve the Complexion 210
261. The Montpellier Toilet ib.
262. Sweet-scented Troches to correct a bad
Breath 212
263. A curious Varnish for the Face 213
WARTS.
264, 265, 266, 267, 268. Medicines to Cure
Warts 215
VINEGARS.
269. Distilled Vinegar 216
270. Distilled Lavender Vinegar 217
271. Vinegar of the Four Thieves 219
EYES.
272, 273, 274. For Watery Eyes 220, 221
275. An excellent Ophthalmic Lotion 221
276. An Ophthalmic Poultice 222
277. A Poultice for inflamed Eyes ib.
278. Sir Hans Sloane's Eye Salve 223
279. An Ophthalmic Fomentation ib.
280. A simple Remedy to strengthen the Sight 224
SUPPLEMENT.
USEFUL RECEIPTS.
281. To take Iron Mould out of Linen 225
282. Stains of Oil ib.
283. Scowering Balls 226
284. Stains of Coomb ib.
285. Stains of Urine 227
286. Stains on Cloth of whatever Colour ib.
287. Spots of Ink ib.
288. Spots of Pitch and Turpentine 228
289. Spots of Oil on Satin and other Stuffs, and
on Paper ib.
290. Spots on Silk 229
291. Balls to take out Stains ib.
292. To clean Gold and Silver Lace 229
293. To restore its original Lustre to Tapestry ib.
294. To clean Turkey Carpets 230
295. To refresh Tapestry Carpets, Hangings,
or Chairs ib.
296. To take Wax out of Silk or Camblet 231
297. To take Wax out of Velvet of all Colours
except Crimson 232
298. To wash Gold or Silver Work on Linen,
or any other Stuff, so as to look like new ib.
299. To take Spots out of Silk or Woollen Stuff 233
300. To take Stains of Oil out of Cloth ib.
301. To take Stains out of White Cloth 234
302. To take Stains out of Crimson Velvet, and
other coloured Velvets ib.
303. A Soap that takes out all Manner of Spots
and Stains 235
304. Another Method to take Spots or Stains out
of White Silk or Crimson Velvet 236
305. A Receipt to clean Gloves without wetting ib.
306. To colour Gloves 237
307. To wash Point Lace 238
308. To clean Point Lace without washing ib.
309. To wash black and white Sarcenet ib.
310. A Soap to take out all Kinds of Stains 239
311. An expeditious Method to take Stains out
of Scarlet, or Velvet of any other Colour 240
DIFFERENT WAYS OF PREPARING SNUFF.
312. Method of making Snuff 240
313. Method of cleansing Snuff in order to scent it 241
314, 315. Methods of scenting Snuff 243, 244
316, 317. Perfumed Snuff 245, 246
318. Snuff after the Maltese Fashion 246
319. The Genuine Maltese Snuff ib.
320. Italian Snuff 247
321. Snuff scented after the Spanish Manner ib.
322. Method of colouring Snuff Red or Yellow 249
323, 324, 325, 326. Herb Snuffs 250, 251
THE
TOILET
OF
FLORA.
1. _An Aromatic Bath._
Boil, for the space of two or three minutes, in a sufficient quantity
of river-water, one or more of the following plants; viz. Laurel,
Thyme, Rosemary, Wild Thyme, Sweet-Marjoram, Bastard-Marjoram,
Lavender, Southernwood, Wormwood, Sage, Pennyroyal, Sweet-Basil Balm,
Wild Mint, Hyssop, Clove-july-flowers, Anise, Fennel, or any other
herbs that have an agreeable scent. Having strained off the liquor
from the herbs, add to it a little Brandy, or camphorated Spirits of
Wine.
This is an excellent bath to strengthen the limbs; it removes pains
proceeding from cold, and promotes perspiration.
2. _A Cosmetic Bath._
Take two pounds of Barley or Bean-meal, eight pounds of Bran, and a
few handfuls of Borrage Leaves. Boil these ingredients in a sufficient
quantity of spring water. Nothing cleanses and softens the skin like
this bath.
3. _An Emollient Bath for the Feet._
Boil, in water, a pound of Bran, with a few Marsh-mallow Roots, and two
or three handfuls of Mallow Leaves.
4. _An Aromatic Bath for the Feet._
Take four handfuls of Pennyroyal, Sage, and Rosemary, three handfuls of
Angelica, and four ounces of Juniper Berries; boil these ingredients in
a sufficient quantity of water, and strain off the liquor for use.
5. _An excellent Preservative Balsam against the Plague._
Scrape fine twelve Scorzonera and Goatsbread Roots; simmer them over
a gentle fire in three quarts of Lisbon or French White Wine, in a
vessel closely covered, to prevent the too great evaporation of the
vinous spirit. When the roots are sufficiently boiled, strain off the
liquor through a linen strainer with a gentle pressure: then add to
it the Juice of twelve Lemons, with Cloves, Ginger, Cardamom Seeds,
and Aloes Wood, grossly powdered, of each half an ounce; and about one
ounce of each of the following herbs, viz. fresh Leaves of Rue, Elder,
Bramble, and Sage; boil all together over a gentle fire, till one quart
is wasted away; strain the liquor off immediately through a strong
linen bag, and keep it in an earthen or glass vessel close stopped.
Drink every morning fasting, for nine days together, half a pint of
this Balsam, by which means you will be able to resist the malignancy
of the Atmosphere, though you even visit infected persons. The same end
may be promoted by washing the mouth and nostrils with Vinegar; and by
holding to the nose a bit of Camphire, slightly wrapped in muslin; or
by frequently chewing a piece of Gum Myrrh.
6. _An excellent Cosmetic for the Face._
Take a pound of levigated Hartshorn, two pounds of Rice Powder, half
a pound of Ceruss, Powder of dried Bones, Frankincense, Gum Mastic,
and Gum Arabic, of each two ounces. Dissolve the whole in a sufficient
quantity of Rose-water, and wash the face with this fluid.
7. _A curious Perfume._
Boil, in two quarts of Rose-water, an ounce of Storax, and two ounces
of Gum Benjamin; to which add, tied up in a piece of gauze or thin
muslin, six Cloves bruised, half a drachm of Labdanum, as much Calamus
Aromaticus, and a little Lemon-peel. Cover the vessel up close, and
keep the ingredients boiling a great while: strain off the liquor
without strong pressure, and let it stand till it deposit the sediment,
which keep for use in a box.
8. _Perfumed Chaplets and Medals._
Take Marechal Powder, and make it into a paste with Mucilage of Gum
Tragacanth and Arabic, prepared with All-flower-water (the receipt
for which is contained in this book.) The mould into which it is put
must be rubbed with a little Essence of Jassmine, or of any other
sweet-scented herb, to prevent the Paste from sticking. This Paste in
colour resembles Coffee.
9. _Receipt to thicken the Hair, and make it grow on a bald part._
Take Roots of a Maiden Vine, Roots of Hemp, and Cores of soft Cabbages,
of each two handfuls; dry and burn them; afterwards make a lye with the
ashes. The head is to be washed with this lye three days successively,
the part having been previously well rubbed with Honey.
10. _An approved Depilatory, or a Fluid for taking off the Hair._
Take Polypody of the Oak, cut into very small pieces; put them into a
glass vessel, and pour on them as much Lisbon, or French White Wine,
as will rise about an inch above the ingredients: digest in balneo
Mariæ (or a bath of hot water) for twenty-four hours; then distil off
the liquor by the heat of boiling water, till the whole has come over
the helm. A linen cloth wetted with this fluid, may be applied to the
part on which the hair grows, and kept on it all night; repeating the
application periodically till the hair falls off.
The distilled water of the Leaves and Roots of Celandine, applied in
the same manner, has the like effect.
11. _A Powder to prevent Baldness._
Powder your head with powdered Parsley Seed, at night, once in three or
four months, and the hair will never fall off.
12. _To quicken the Growth of Hair._
Dip the teeth of your comb every morning in the expressed Juice
of Nettles, and comb the hair the wrong way. This expedient will
surprisingly quicken the growth of the hair.
Some, after having shaved the head, foment it with a decoction of
Wormwood, Southernwood, Sage, Betony, Vervain, Marjoram, Myrtle, Roses,
Dill, Rosemary, or Misletoe.
13. _A compound Oil for the same Intention._
Take half a pound of green Southernwood bruised, boil it in a pint and
a half of Sweet Oil, and half a pint of Red Wine; when sufficiently
boiled, remove it from the fire, and strain off the liquor through a
linen bag: repeat this operation three times with fresh Southernwood.
The last time add to the strained liquor two ounces of Bears-grease.
This oil quickly makes the hair shoot out.
14. _A Fluid to make the Hair grow._
Take the tops of Hemp as soon as the plant begins to appear above
ground, and infuse them four and twenty hours in water. Dip the teeth
of the comb in this fluid, and it will certainly quicken the growth of
the hair.
15. _A Liniment of the same Kind._
Take six drachms of Labdanum, two ounces of Bears-grease, half an ounce
of Honey, three drachms of powdered Southernwood, a drachm and a half
of Ashes of Calamus Aromaticus Roots, three drachms of Balsam of Peru,
and a little Oil of Sweet Almonds. Mix into a liniment.
16. _To change the Colour of the Hair._
First wash your head with spring-water, then dip your comb in Oil of
Tartar, and comb yourself in the Sun: repeat this operation three times
a day, and at the end of eight days at most the hair will turn black.
If you are desirous of giving the hair a fine scent, moisten it with
Oil of Benjamin.
17. _Simple Means of producing the same Effect._
The Leaves of the Wild Vine change the hairs black, and prevent their
falling off. Burnt Cork; Roots of the Holm-oak, and Caper-tree;
Barks of Willow, Walnut-tree and Pomegranate; Leaves of Artichoaks,
the Mulberry-tree, Fig-tree, Rasberry-bush Shells of Beans; Gall and
Cypress-nuts; Leaves of Myrtle; green Shells of Walnuts; Ivy-berries,
Cockle, and red Beet-seeds, Poppy-flowers, Alum, and most preparations
of Lead. These ingredients may be boiled in Rain-water, Wine or
Vinegar, with the addition of some cephalic Plant, as Sage, Marjoram,
Balm, Betony, Clove-july-flowers, Laurel, &c. &c.
18. _To change the Hair or Beard black._
Take Oil of Costus and Myrtle, of each an ounce and a half; mix them
well in a leaden mortar; adding liquid Pitch, expressed Juice of Walnut
Leaves and Laudanum, of each half an ounce; Gall-nuts, Black-lead, and
Frankincense, of each a drachm; and a sufficient quantity of Mucilage
of Gum Arabic made with a decoction of Gall Nuts.
Rub the head and chin with this mixture, after they have been shaved.
19. _A Fluid to die the Hair of a flaxen Colour._
Take a quart of Lye prepared from the Ashes of Vine Twigs; Briony,
Celandine Roots, and Turmeric, of each half an ounce; Saffron and Lily
Roots, of each two drachms; Flowers of Mullein, Yellow Stechas, Broom,
and St. John's-wort, of each a drachm; boil these ingredients together,
and strain off the Liquor clear.
Frequently wash the hair with this fluid, and in a little time it will
change to a beautiful flaxen colour.
20. _A perfumed Basket._
Place a layer of perfumed Cotton extremely thin and even on a piece of
Taffety stretched in a frame; strew on it some Violet Powder, and then
some Cypress Powder; cover the whole with another piece of Taffety:
nothing more remains to complete the work, but to quilt it, and cut it
of the size of the basket, trimming the edges with ribband.
21. _Natural Cosmetics._
The Juice that issues from the Birch-Tree, when wounded with an
auger in spring, is detersive and excellent to clear the complexion:
the same virtue is attributed to its distilled water. Some people
recommend Strawberry-water; others the decoction of Orpiment, and some
Frog-spawn-water.
22. _A remedy for Corns on the Feet._
Roast a Clove of Garlic, or an Onion, on a live coal or in hot ashes;
apply it to the corn, and fasten it on with a piece of cloth. This
softens the corn to such a degree, as to loosen and wholly remove it
in two or three days. Foment the corn every other night in warm water,
after which renew the application.
The same intention will be yet more effectually answered by applying to
the corn a bit of the plaster of Diachylon with the Gums, spread on a
small piece of linen; removing it occasionally to foment the corn with
warm water, and pare off the softened part with a penknife.
23. _A Coral Stick for the Teeth._
Make a stiff Paste with Tooth Powder and a sufficient quantity of
Mucilage of Gum Tragacanth: form with this Paste little cylindrical
Rollers, the thickness of a large goose quill, and about three inches
in length. Dry them in the shade. The method of using this stick is
to rub it against the teeth, which become cleaner in proportion as it
wastes.
24. _A receipt to clean the Teeth and Gums, and make the Flesh grow
close to the Root of the Enamel._
Take an ounce of Myrrh in fine powder, two spoonfuls of the best white
Honey, and a little green Sage in fine powder; mix them well together,
and rub the teeth and gums with a little of this Balsam every night and
morning.
25. _Ditto, to strengthen the Gums and fasten loose Teeth._
Dissolve an ounce of Myrrh as much as possible in half a pint of Red
Wine and the same quantity of Oil of Almonds: Wash the mouth with this
fluid every morning.
This is also an excellent remedy against worms in the teeth.
26. _Another._
Dissolve a drachm of Cachoe (an Indian perfume) in a quart of Red Wine,
and use it for washing the mouth.
27. _Or rather._
Bruise Tobacco Roots in a mortar, and rub the teeth and gums with a
linen cloth dipped in the Juice. You may also put some Tobacco bruised
between the fingers into the hollow of the tooth. Or take the green
Leaves of a Plum-tree, or of Rosemary, and boil them in Lees of Wine or
Vinegar; gargle the mouth with the Wine as hot as you can bear it, and
repeat it frequently.
28. _For rotten Teeth._
Make a balsam with a sufficient quantity of Honey, two scruples of
Myrrh in fine powder, a scruple of Gum Juniper, and ten grains of Roch
Alum. Frequently apply this mixture to the decayed tooth.
29. _A liquid Remedy for decayed Teeth._
Take a pint of the Juice of the Wild Gourd, a quarter of a pound of
Mulberry Bark, and Pellitory of Spain, each three ounces; Roch Alum,
Sal Gem, and Borax, of each half an ounce. Put these ingredients into
a glass vessel, and distill in a sand heat to dryness; take of this
liquor and Brandy, each an equal part, and wash the mouth with them
warm. This mixture removes all putridity, and cleanses away dead flesh.
30. _A Powder to clean the Teeth._
Take Dragon's Blood and Cinnamon, of each one ounce and a half, Burnt
Alum, or Cream of Tartar, one ounce; beat all together into a very fine
powder, and rub a little on the teeth every other day.
31. _A Remedy for sore Gums and loose Teeth._
Boil Oak Leaves in spring-water, and add to the decoction a few drops
of Spirit of Sulphur. Gargle the mouth with a little of this liquor
every morning while necessary.
32. _An approved Receipt against that troublesome Complaint, called the
Teeth set on Edge._
Purslain, Sorrel, Sweet or Bitter Almonds, Walnuts, or burnt Bread,
chewed, will certainly remove this disagreeable sensation.
33. _A Liquid for cleansing the Teeth._
Take Lemon Juice, two ounces, Burnt Alum and Salt, of each six grains;
boil them together about a minute in a glazed pipkin, and then strain
through a linen cloth. The method of application is to wrap a bit of
clean rag round the end of a stick, dipping it in the Liquid, and rub
it gently against the teeth. You must be careful not to have too much
of the Liquid on the rag, for fear it should excoriate the gums or
inside of the mouth. This application ought not to be used above once
every two or three months.
34. _A sure Preservative from the Tooth Ache, and Defluxions on the
Gums or Teeth._
After having washed your mouth with water, as cleanliness and indeed
health requires, you should every morning rince the mouth with a tea
spoonful of Lavender-Water mixed with an equal quantity of warm or cold
water, whichever you like best, to diminish its activity. This simple
and innocent remedy is a certain preservative, the success of which has
been confirmed by long experience.
35. _A Method to make the Teeth beautifully white._
Take Gum Tragacanth, one ounce; Pumice-stone, two drachms; Gum Arabic,
half an ounce; and Crystals of Tartar, finely powdered, one ounce;
dissolve the Gums in Rose-water, and adding to it the powder, form the
whole into little sticks, which are to be dried slowly in the shade,
and afterwards kept for use.
36. _Or,_
Take dried Leaves of Hyssop, Wild Thyme, and Mint, of each half an
ounce; Roch Alum, prepared Hartshorn, and Salt, of each a drachm;
calcine these ingredients together in a pot placed on burning coals;
when sufficiently calcined, add of Pepper and Mastic, each half a
drachm, and of Myrrh a scruple; reduce the whole into a fine powder,
and make them into a proper consistence with Storax dissolved in
Rose-water. Rub the teeth with a small bit of this Mixture every
morning, and afterwards wash the mouth with warm Wine.
37. _Or,_
Dip a piece of clean rag in Vinegar of Squills, and rub the teeth and
gums with it. This not only whitens, but fastens and strengthens the
roots of the teeth, and corrects an offensive breath.
38. _Or,_
Take Rose-water, Syrup of Violets, clarified Honey, and Plantain-water,
of each half an ounce; Spirit of Vitriol one ounce; mix them together.
Rub the teeth with a linen rag moistened in this Liquor, and then rince
the mouth with equal parts of Rose and Plantain-water.
39. _Or,_
Rub them well with Nettle or Tobacco Ashes, or rather with Vine Ashes
mixed with a little Honey.
40. _A Powder to cleanse the Teeth._
Take prepared Coral and Dragons-blood, of each an ounce; Cinnamon and
Cloves, of each six drachms; Cuttle-bone, and calcined Egg-shells,
of each half an ounce; Sea Salt decrepitated, a drachm, all in fine
powder: mix them in a marble mortar.
41. _The following was communicated by Mr. Rae, Surgeon Dentist, in the
Adelphi, London._
Take of Cuttlefish-bone, and the finest prepared Chalk, each half an
ounce; Peruvian Bark, and Florentine Iris Root, each two drachms:
reduce the whole into a fine Powder, and mix them. This may be coloured
with a little Rose Pink, and scented with a few drops of Oil of
Cinnamon.
42. _Or,_
Take Pumice-stone prepared, Sealed Earth, and Red Coral prepared, of
each an ounce; Dragons-blood, half an ounce; Cream of Tartar, an ounce
and a half; Cinnamon, a quarter of an ounce; and Cloves, a scruple:
beat the whole together into a Powder.
This Powder serves to cleanse, whiten, and preserve the Teeth; and
prevents the accidents that arise from the collection of Tartar or any
other foulness about them.
43. _An efficacious Tooth-Powder._
Take Myrrh, Roch Allum, Dragon's Blood, and Cream of Tartar, of each
half an ounce; Musk, two grains; and make them into a very fine powder.
This, though simple, is an efficacious dentifrice; but nothing of this
kind should be applied too frequently to the teeth for fear of hurting
the enamel.
44. _A Powder to cleanse the Teeth._
Take Pumice-Stone and Cuttle-fish Bone, of each half an ounce; Tartar
vitriolated, and Mastich, of each a drachm; Oil of Rhodium four drops:
mix all into a fine powder.
45. _A Tincture to strengthen the Gums and prevent the Scurvy._
Take an ounce of Peruvian Bark grossly powdered, infuse it a fortnight
or longer in half a pint of Brandy. Gargle the mouth every night or
morning, with a tea spoonful of this Tincture diluted with an equal
quantity of Rose-water.
46. _Manner of preparing the Roots for cleaning the Teeth, according to
Mr. Baumè._
The roots that are used to clean the teeth are formed at both ends
like little brushes; and in all probability were substituted in the
room of Tooth-brushes, on account of their being softer to the gums
and more convenient. They are used in the following manner; one of the
ends is moistened with a little water, dipped into the Tooth-Powder,
and then rubbed against the teeth till they look white. Fibrous and
woody Roots are best formed into little brushes, and on this account
deserve a preference to others. The Roots are deprived of their juicy
parts by boiling them several times in a large quantity of fresh Water.
When Lucern Roots are used, those of two years growth are chosen, about
the thickness of one's little finger; such as are thicker, unsound or
worm-eaten, being rejected. They are cut into pieces about six inches
long, and, as we have just observed, are boiled in water till all
the juicy parts are extracted. Being then taken out, they are left
to drain; after which each end of the roots is slit with a penknife
into the form of a little brush, and they are slowly dried to prevent
their splitting. In the same manner are prepared Liquorice Roots.
Marsh-mallow Roots are prepared in an easier way; but, on account of
the mucilage they contain, they become very brittle when dry. Such as
are large and very even are made choice of, and rasped with a knife to
remove the outer bark. They are dyed red by infusing them in the
same dye as is used to colour spunges. When the Roots have remained
twenty-four hours in the dye, they are taken out, slowly dried,
and varnished with two or three coats of a strong Mucilage of Gum
Tragacanth, each being suffered to dry before another is laid on. The
whole is afterwards repeatedly anointed with Friars Balsam, in order to
form a varnish less susceptible of moisture.
Lucern and Liquorice Roots are dyed and varnished in the same manner:
those of Marsh-mallows, from the loss of their Mucilage, considerably
diminish in thickness during the time they stand in infusion.
47. _Manner of preparing Sponges for the Teeth_
For this purpose very thin sponges are made choice of, which are
to be washed in several waters; squeezing them with the hands, to
loosen and force away the little shells that adhere to their internal
surface. Being afterwards dried, they are neatly cut into the shape of
balls about the size of small eggs; and when they have undergone this
preparation, they are dyed in the following manner.
Take Brazil Wood rasped, four ounces; Cochineal bruised, three
drachms; Roch Alum, half an ounce; Water, four pints: put them into a
proper vessel, and boil till one half of the Liquor is consumed. Then
strain the decoction through a piece of linen, and pour it hot upon
the sponges, which are to be left in infusion twelve hours; at the
expiration of which time, they are to be repeatedly washed in fresh
water, as long as any colour proceeds from them. Being dried, they are
afterwards dipped in Spirit of Wine, aromatized with Essential Oil of
Cinnamon, Cloves, Lavender, &c. The sponges are then fit for use, and
when dried by squeezing, are kept in a wide-mouthed glass-bottle well
corked.
48. _Rules for the Preservation of the Teeth and Gums._
The teeth are bones thinly covered with a fine enamel, which is more or
less strong in different persons. When this enamel is wasted, either by
a scorbutic humour or any external cause, the tooth cannot long remain
sound, and must therefore be cleaned, but with great caution. For this
purpose the best instrument is a small piece of wood, like a butcher's
skewer, rendered soft at the end. It is generally to be used alone;
only once in a fortnight dip it into a few grains of gunpowder, which
has previously been bruised. This will remove every spot and blemish,
and give your Teeth an inconceivable whiteness. It is almost needless
to say, that the mouth must be well washed after this operation; for
besides the necessity of so doing, the salt-petre, &c. used in the
composition of Gunpowder, would, if it remained, prove injurious to the
gums, &c. but has not, nor can have, any bad effect in so short a time.
It is necessary to observe, that very near the gums of people whose
teeth are otherwise good, there is apt to grow a crust, both within and
without, which, if neglected, separates the gums from the fangs of the
teeth; and the latter being by this means left bare, are frequently
destroyed. This crust must therefore be carefully scraped off.
49. _For stopping the Decay of Teeth._
Take of Bole Armenian the quantity of a large nutmeg, a like quantity
of Roch Alum, two penny-worth of Cochineal bruised, and a small handful
of the Chips of Lignum Vitæ; simmer them with four ounces of Honey in a
new pipkin, for a little time, well stirring them all the while, till
the ingredients are mixed. In using it, take a large skewer, on the end
of which is tied a piece of linen rag; dip the rag in the medicine, and
rub the teeth and gums with it. The longer you abstain from spitting,
after the use of the remedy, the better. Wash the mouth well at least
once every day, particularly after meals, first rubbing the teeth
with salt upon the end of your finger. Teeth much decayed, or useless,
should be drawn, if the operation can be performed with safety.
The reader will find several other receipts for the Teeth, under the
article of Waters.
WATERS.
50. _The Celestial Water._
Take the best Cinnamon, Nutmegs, Ginger, Zedoary, Galangals, and
White-Pepper, of each an ounce; six Lemon-peels, pared thin; two
handfuls of Damascene Grapes; as much Jujebs; a handful of Pith
of Dwarf-Elder; four handfuls of Juniper-berries perfectly ripe;
Fennel-Seeds, Flowers of Sweet Basil, St. John's-wort, Rosemary,
Marjoram, Pennyroyal, Stechas, Musk Roses, Rue, Scabious, Centaury,
Fumitory, and Agrimony, of each a handful; Spikenard, Aloes-Wood,
Grains of Paradise, Calamus Aromaticus, Mace, Gum Olibanum, and Yellow
Sanders, of each two ounces; Hepatic Aloes, fine Amber and Rhubarb,
of each two drachms. All these drugs being procured good in their
kind, beat in a mortar those that ought to be pulverized, and put the
whole, thoroughly mixed together, into a large strong glass alembic;
pouring as much genuine brandy upon them as will rise at least three
fingers breadth above the ingredients. Then having well closed the
mouth of the alembic, bury the vessel fifteen days in warm horse-dung,
and afterwards distil the Tincture in balneo Mariæ, the water almost
boiling hot. When you perceive the water in the receiver change its
colour, instantly stop the process, and separate the phlegm from
the spirit, by another distillation conducted in the same manner.
The liquor thus obtained is the genuine Celestial Water. _Note_,
when you perceive this second water begin to lose its transparency,
and incline to a reddish colour, put it by in a strong glass bottle
closely stopped, and dissolve in the residue half a pound of the best
Treacle, with as much Venice Turpentine and fresh Oil of Almonds. Place
the alembic in a sand heat, and urge the fire to the first degree, to
have the genuine Balsamic Oil, which ought to be of the consistence of
clarified Honey.
If a person rubs himself in the morning with this water on the
forehead, eyelids, back of the head, and nape of the neck, it renders
him quick and easy of conception, strengthens the memory, enlivens the
spirits, and greatly comforts the sight. By putting a few drops with
a bit of cotton up the nostrils, it becomes a sovereign cephalic, and
cleanses the brain of all superfluous cold and catarrhal humours. If a
table spoonful is drank every third day, it tends to preserve the body
in vigour. It is an excellent remedy against asthmatic complaints, and
corrects an offensive breath.
51. _A Receipt to make the genuine Hungary-Water._
Put into an alembic a pound and a half of fresh pickt Rosemary Flowers;
Pennyroyal and Marjoram Flowers, of each half a pound; three quarts
of good Coniac Brandy; having close stopped the mouth of the alembic
to prevent the Spirit from evaporating, bury it twenty-eight hours in
horse-dung to digest, and then distil off the Spirit in a water-bath.
A drachm of Hungary-Water diluted with Spring-Water, may be taken
once or twice a week in the morning fasting. It is also used by way
of embrocation to bathe the face and limbs, or any part affected
with pains, or debility. This remedy recruits the strength, dispells
gloominess and strengthens the sight. It must always be used cold,
whether taken inwardly as a medicine, or applied externally.
52. _Another Receipt to make Hungary-Water._
Fill a glass or stone cucurbit half full of fresh gathered
Rosemary-tops picked in their prime; pour on them as much Spirit of
Wine as will thoroughly soak them. Put the vessel in a water-bath,
and having closely luted on the head and receiver, leave it to digest
on a gentle fire for three days; at the expiration of which period
unlute the vessel, and pour back into the cucurbit whatever liquor
you find in the receiver. Then lute your cucurbit again, and encrease
the fire so as to cause the Spirit to rise fast over the helm. When
about two thirds of the liquor are drawn off, remove the fire, and let
the vessel stand to cool; you will find in the receiver an excellent
Hungary-Water, which is to be kept in a glass bottle closely stopped.
Hungary-water must be drawn off with a brisk fire, or the Spirit of
Wine will come over the helm, very little impregnated with the essence
of Rosemary.
53. _Directions for making Lavender-Water._
Fill a glass or earthen body two thirds full of Lavender Flowers and
then fill up the vessel with Brandy or Melasses Spirits. Let the
Flowers stand in infusion eight days, or less if straitened for time;
then distil off the Spirit, in a water-bath with a brisk fire, at first
in large drops or even a small stream, that the Essential Oil of the
Flowers may rise with the Spirit. But as this cannot be done without
the phlegm coming over the helm at the same time, the Spirit must be
rectified. The first distillation being finished, unlute the still,
throw away what remains in the body, and, fill it with fresh Flowers
of Lavender, in the proportion of two pounds of Lavender Flowers to
one pint of Spirit; pour the Spirit already distilled according to the
foregoing directions, on the Lavender Flowers, and distil a second time
in a vapour-bath.
54. _Another Method._
Take fresh or dried Lavender Flowers, sprinkle them with White Wine,
Brandy, Melasses Spirit, or Rose-water; let them stand in infusion for
some days, and then distil off the Spirit. The distilled water will be
more odoriferous, if the Flowers are dried in the sun in a glass bottle
close stopped, and White Wine afterwards poured upon them.
If you would have speedily, without the trouble of distillation, a
water impregnated with the flavour of Lavender, put two or three drops
of Oil of Spike, and a lump of Sugar, into a pint of clear Water, or
Spirit of Wine, and shake them well together in a glass phial, with a
narrow neck. This Water, though not distilled, is very fragrant.
55. _To make Rose-Water._
To make an excellent Rose-water, let the Flowers be gathered two or
three hours after sun-rising in very fine weather; beat them in a
marble mortar into a paste, and leave them in the mortar soaking in
their juice, for five or six hours; then put the mass into a coarse
canvas bag, and press out the Juice; to every quart of which add
a pound of fresh Damask Roses, and let them stand in infusion for
twenty-four hours. Then put the whole into a glass alembic, lute on
a head and receiver, and place it on a sand heat. Distil at first
with a gentle fire, which is to be encreased gradually till the drops
follow each other as quick as possible; draw off the water as long as
it continues to run clear, then put out the fire, and let the alembic
stand till cold. The distilled water at first will have very little
fragrancy, but after being exposed to the heat of the sun about eight
days, in a bottle lightly stopped with a bit of paper, it acquires an
admirable scent.
56. _Or,_
Infuse in ten or twenty pints of Juice of Damask Roses, expressed in
the manner above described, a proportionable quantity of Damask Rose
Leaves gathered with the usual precautions. After standing in infusion
twenty-four hours, pour the whole into a short-necked alembic, distil
in a sand heat, and draw off as much as possible, taking care not to
leave the residuum quite dry, for fear the distilled water should have
an empyreumatic or still-burnt flavour. After emptying the alembic,
pour the distilled water a second time into it, and add a good quantity
of fresh picked Damask Roses. Lute it well, placing it again in a sand
heat, and repeat the distillation. But content yourself this time with
a little more than half the water you put back into the alembic. To
impress on Rose-water the utmost degree of fragrancy of which it is
susceptible, it is necessary to expose it to the genial warmth of the
sun.
Rose-water is an excellent lotion for the eyes, if used every morning,
and makes a part in all collyriums prescribed for inflammations of
these parts; it is also proper in many other complaints.
57. _To make Orange-Flower Water._
Having gathered (two hours before sun-rise, in fine weather) a quantity
of Orange-Flowers, pluck them leaf by leaf, and throw away the stalks
and stems: fill a tin cucurbit two thirds full of these picked Flowers;
lute on a low bolt-head, not above two inches higher than the cucurbit;
place it in balneo Mariæ, or a water-bath, and distill with a strong
fire. You run no risk from pressing forward the distillation with
violence, the water-bath effectually preventing the Flowers from being
burnt. In this method you pay no regard to the quantity, but the
quality of the water drawn off. If nine pounds of Orange Flowers were
put into the still, be satisfied with three or four quarts of fragrant
water; however, you may continue your distillation, and save even the
last droppings of the still, which have some small fragrancy. During
the operation, be careful to change the water in the refrigeratory
vessel as often as it becomes hot. Its being kept cool prevents the
distilled water from having an empyreumatic or burnt smell, and keeps
the quintessence of the Flowers more intimately united with its phlegm.
58. _Another Method._
Take four pounds of unpicked Orange Flowers, bruise them in a marble
mortar, and pour on them nine quarts of clear Water. Distil in a cold
still, and draw off five or six quarts, which will be exquisitely
fragrant. If you are desirous of having it still higher flavoured, draw
off at first full seven quarts, unlute the still and throw away the
residuum; empty back the water already distilled, and add to it two
pounds of fresh Orange Flowers bruised. Again luting the still, repeat
the distillation, and draw of five or six quarts. Then stop, being
careful not to draw off too much water, lest the Flowers should become
dry and burn too.
The use of Orange-Flower Water is very extensive. It is high in esteem
for its aromatic perfume; and is used with success for hysteric
complaints.
Waters from all kinds of Flowers are made in the same manner as
Orange-Flower and Rose-water; but waters from dried odoriferous
plants, such as Thyme, Hyssop, Marjoram and Wormwood, are made as
follows.
Fill two thirds of a large stone jar with the tops of the plant you
propose to distil; boil, in a sufficient quantity of water, some
twigs or tops of the same plant; and when one half of the water has
evaporated, pour the remainder into a jar over the flowers, and let
them stand to infuse three or four days; then distil them in a common
or cold still. Care, however, must be taken not to distil to dryness,
lest you risque the bottom of the vessel; to prevent which accident,
the best way is never to draw off more than two thirds of the liquor
put into the still. If you be desirous that the distilled water should
acquire a higher flavour, after the first distillation unlute the
still, throw out what remains at the bottom, and fill it half full of
fresh tops of the plant, pouring on them the water already distilled;
repeat the distillation, and this second time the water drawn off
will be highly odoriferous. If the plant contains a large portion of
Essential Oil, it will not fail to float on the top of the liquor
contained in the receiver, and may be separated by the usual method.
59. _Magisterial Balm-Water._